DNA Expression Arrays

Although training will improve cardiac performance, some individuals have a greater capacity for enhanced cardiac performance and this is thought to be a combination of 'nature' (genetic endowment for high activity) versus 'nurture' (access to training). It is possible that enhanced cardiac gene expression is coupled to signal transduction pathways that modulate autonomic activity and that training itself can enhance this. Alternatively, the higher predisposition for exercise in some individuals may be reflected in the altered autonomic response and the increased exercise capacity and improved cardiac function may be directly related to improved behaviour. Therefore, a more general genetic screening of exercise or stress induced genes in several tissues, including the brain, in addition to the heart is needed. To this end, we are using DNA expression arrays to analyse the expression profiles of thousands of genes simultaneously from exercising and sedentary subjects. This kind of analysis is the first step before novel gene sequences, changed by training, are analysed physiologically to assess their functional significance. As such this project is very much integral to our gene transfer research. 

As expression data is published we will aim to make it available for analysis through this website and, when possible, via public database in accordance with the spirit of open access to microarray data.